The airport is trying to make its point, saying its $22 million plan to deice airplanes in the winter months will eliminate environmental risks.

"We will further reduce airline deicing fluid by 93% into Thornapple River," said Ryks.

At Thursday night's meeting, the DEQ backed them up the airport plan.

"Right now this glycol is discharged without treatment, this modified permit will result in treatment being installed so all water quality standards will be met and Trout Creek will be protected as well," Phil

"The DEQ requirements are stringent. It's not a 'hall pass.' like I've heard mentioned," said Ryks.

But knowing they face opposition from the public, the DEQ representatives spent time responding to a few comments the public brought up last week: